'When it comes to friends, Juniper has no idea what all the fuss is about. In fact when classmates tease her for being like a robot she takes it as a compliment. Through the unconventional eyes of a child on the Autism Spectrum, Robot Song takes the audience on an incredible ride of personal discovery.
'Robot Song introduces us to Juniper, a smart 11-year-old whose world is turned upside down when the arm of a giant robot appears on her doorstep and takes her on an unexpected journey to find the rest of its body. Surprised by the robot’s revelation that it has only ever wanted to sing, Juniper learns flexibility and unexpected outcomes are sometimes exactly what you need.
'Robot Song is drawn from writer director Jolyon James' experience raising a child on the Autism Spectrum. In celebrating Juniper’s unique way of interpreting the world Robot Song provides a window for all young people to recognise and embrace the differences within themselves and others.'
Source: Publisher's blurb.
Writing Disability in Australia
| Type of disability | Autism. |
| Type of character | Primary. |
| Point of view | First person. |
World premiere, Arena Theatre, Bendigo (The Engine Room), 11-19 July 2018.
Director: Jolyon James.
Musical Director/ Composer: Nathan Gilkes.
Assistant Director: Sarah Branton.
Dramaturgy: Christian Leavesley.
Script Adviser: Anthony Crowley.
Cast: Ashlea Pyke (Juniper May) and Phillip McInnes (Juniper's Father).
Internships: Grace Ulrich.
To tour regional Victoria in 2019, supported by Regional Arts Victoria.
Scheduled for presentation by Arena Theatre at The Capital, Bendigo, 5-6 August 2021.
Director: Jolyon James.
Dramaturg: Christian Leavesley.
Composer: Nathan Gilkes.
Production postponed, but not initially cancelled, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rescheduled for presentation at The Capital, Bendigo, 5 - 6 May 2022.
'Juniper May’s world is rocked when she receives a letter from her classmates in Grade 6C telling her she’s a freak and that they wish she’d never been born. The robot-obsessed loner stops going to school and asks Google how to write a hit musical. Robot Song — performed by Juniper (Ashlea Pyke) and her arty but impractical parents — is the result.' (Introduction)
'Juniper May’s world is rocked when she receives a letter from her classmates in Grade 6C telling her she’s a freak and that they wish she’d never been born. The robot-obsessed loner stops going to school and asks Google how to write a hit musical. Robot Song — performed by Juniper (Ashlea Pyke) and her arty but impractical parents — is the result.' (Introduction)
